NEW DELHI: Indian spinner Washington Sundar could not have asked for a better comeback into the Test side after a hiatus of more than three and half years. The right-arm off spinner spun a web around New Zealand batters on the first day of the second Test in Pune.
He tormented the Kiwi lineup, particularly dominating in the final session. Sundar recorded his career-best figures of 7/59, helping India bowl out the visitors for 259 after they elected to bat first.
With this stellar performance, Sundar matched his senior partner Ravichandran Ashwin‘s record of 7/59 against New Zealand in Tests, achieving the feat in just his fifth Test appearance.
Best figures for India vs NZ in Tests
- 8/72 S Venkatraghavan Delhi 1965
- 8/76 EAS Prasanna Auckland 1975
- 7/59 R Ashwin Indore 2017
- 7/59 Washington Sundar Pune 2024
This marked the first instance in a men’s Test innings where all ten wickets were taken by right-arm off-spinners for India. Ashwin set the tone, and Sundar completed the job.
New Zealand won an important toss, but their innings took a turn early when Tom Latham was trapped lbw by Ashwin. Despite solid contributions from Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell, New Zealand looked poised to surpass 300, reaching 197 for 3 at one stage.
However, Sundar’s disciplined lines, clever variations in pace, and perseverance triggered a dramatic collapse. New Zealand lost seven wickets for just 62 runs, eventually being bowled out for 259.
Spinners taking all ten 1st innings wickets on day 1 of a Test in India
- Ind vs NZ Pune 2024
- Ind vs Eng Dharamsala 2024
- Ind vs Eng Chennai 1973
- Ind vs Aus Chennai 1964
- Ind vs Aus Kolkata 1956
- Eng vs Ind Kanpur 1952